A case for adult dogs

When looking for canine companionship, people often opt for a puppy because, well, they're so darn cute. But many also believe adult dogs who've been abandoned or surrendered to shelters are somehow too damaged to make good family pets.

Nonsense. The shelters are bursting with perfectly good dogs who need a little of your tender loving care to make them beloved members of your family--if only people would give them a chance.

Myth: You won't bond as well if you haven't raised the dog yourself.
Reality: Not so. Any age dog can grow very attached to his person, often very quickly. What's more, you'll know just how affectionate your adult dog is when you adopt him, whereas an affectionate puppy may turn into an aloof adult.

Myth: Adult dogs up for adoption must have problems.
Reality: Dogs are abandoned for all sorts of reasons and most of the time it has nothing to do with the dog. The number one reason given for surrendering a dog is "moving." Another is "no time." While this means many shelter dogs arrive without the training they should have gotten, most problems are treatable. The ones with the most serious problems generally aren't offered for adoption.

Myth: If I get an adult dog, I can only get a mutt.
Reality: In fact, twenty-five percent of shelter dogs are purebreds, and many breed rescue groups have purebreds looking for homes. If your heart is set on a particular breed, chances are good you can find an adult dog. But--we have to ask--why wouldn't you want a mutt?

Still wondering?

If you're still trying to decide whether to adopt an adult dog, consider the advantage of knowing what you're getting. With an adult you generally know if he's good with kids, or makes a good running companion, or isn't too barky. Puppiness is adorable, to be sure, but it often masks a dog's true personality.

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Comments

“I have done Boxer rescue for many years and i have really been able to enighten people about rescue and how it works. Some are dead set on a pup- but for the most part people tend to realize that a dog that is older is the better answer.All depends on the lifestyle.I fostered pups and older dogs-there is truley nothing like puppy breat however the trust and faith an older dog gives is amazing!
If they had had a bad life up until they are rescued it is sometimes trying-
Issue's just need to be worked with
alot of times those issues are just confusion for them-and can be dealt with.
My babies mean the world to me the are 7 &10.....and still act like pups sometimes!
Diane Lockhart” — Diane, Sep 15 2009

“I also have thought about a rescue adult boxer. I have two young grandchildren that love to play with dogs.” — debbiek.hubbard, Jan 06 2009

“Adult dogs have my vote. Lucille "Ball" a beautiful black lab was twice returned to the spca at age 1.5, what an ordeal for her. We have had a wonderful two years so far and my vote is for the adult dogs. Roxy a 2 year old Yorkie has recently joined us as well. Another spca adoption, the poor thing was former puppy mill girl. Again a loving adult dog. My vote is for the adults. Check your local shelters and find your precious gems.” — Gotdog, Oct 28 2008

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